Mike D’Antoni comes clean: I quit because of Carmelo By Marc Berman May 9, 2017 | 6:53pm Modal Trigger Carmelo Anthony and Mike D'Antoni in 2014NBAE via Getty Images The Post ran a back-page story, citing a source, that Anthony didn’t want to remain a Knick at the trade deadline if he knew D’Antoni would return next season. D’Antoni resigned later that afternoon. According to a new ESPN Magazine profile on D’Antoni and his wife, Laurel, D’Antoni didn’t want to remain with the Knicks because of Anthony’s reported ultimatum. “I just went in and quit,” D’Antoni told the magazine. Anthony was bothered by several matters, including the coach’s favoritism of Jeremy Lin, who was running the coach’s speed-ball offense. Now Anthony is fighting another power struggle with Phil Jackson over the triangle. Meanwhile, D’Antoni is a leading candidate to win the NBA’s 2017 Coach of the Year Award and was two victories away, entering Tuesday’s game with the Spurs, from leading the Rockets to the Western Conference finals with much of the league copying his 3-point-reliant, sprint attack.
D’Antoni was willing to coach Melo on the Lakers when they courted him in 2014. If they both can let the past go then why can’t some of you?
I mean why would he come play for him again? They actually worked together for Team USA after that so yeah.
Melo-drama won’t have as much pull here. In NYC he was their spoiled offspring, here he’ll be more like a middle stepchild! Spoiler: Leave it in the past ... ....... ....... .......
We aren’t in the position to turn down players. Players are leaving or choosing other teams instead of us. This team needs help. If he wants to come, he’s welcome.
Just one bad news after another with this guy. Yet, we are to believe that everything will work out just fine and dandy. 1) His no-defense is not going to be a problem. 2) His declining numbers is not going to be a an issue. 3) His career poor shot selection will magically improve all of a sudden. 4) His selfishness will be cured 5) His drama will be gone 6) He will all of a sudden sacrifice his game for the team 7) He will suddenly be happy with a bench role when just 2-3 months ago he mocked at the idea of coming off the bench. 8) the Melo that showed up ages ago in Team USA against no-bodies will be the one that will show up against Warriors. 9) the Melo that shot 37% from the field and 22% from the 3 against the Jazz in the playoffs will be just fine against the Warriors because..Chris Paul. 10) A career pouter, will all of a sudden stop pouting if things do not go his way because..Chris Paul. So you are telling me that a guy that has consistently displayed the above problems throughout his career, will all of a sudden turn into a competent role player off the bench because......Chris Paul? Can Chris Paul walk on water and heal the sick as well? Lol
YEP. THAT's what I'm saying. Chris Paul and Melo are buds. Now, CP knows that D'Antoni's offense works and is a fan. He's not going to recruit Melo here to screw up the works. MDA is Coach of the Year and by taking GSW to 7 games has regained his swagger and also was able to vindicate his system as a legitimate force. Jeremy Lin is not running this offense. Melo can't just 'take over' and demand his touches. This won't be Melo's team. This team is MDA, James and CP. Melo can either add to, or sit down. He won't have any real clout here. But I think it will be good for Melo. He's never really been with 2 other legit stars to draw the focus off of him. He should find more open looks than ever. He's also never been on a team that has gone that deep in the playoffs. I wasn't a fan of Melo last year, but with the addition of CP, I think it could work
This is actually one of the few things that makes you feel positive about adding Melo. If D'antoni of all people welcomes him, then you know he's ready to start fresh. D'antoni wanted Melo to play a certain way before the NBA as a whole changed. For a young star to be reluctant to adapt when the case studies weren't really there yet, it's understandable. Now, you'd have to be blind to not see the shift. With all that said though, CP3/Harden are getting 99 ISO plays per game though, lulz. Shhhh, don't tell Melo.
All I have to say with, or without Melo, I'm 100% committed to the Houston Rockets. With, or without D'Antoni, I have a lifetime contract to the Rockets.
